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Ordinary Women of the Bible
The Life Giver Shiphrah's Story
COMING FROM GENERATIONS OF MIDWIVES, it was only natural that Shiphrah follow in her family members’ footsteps. However, her journey as a midwife is not as simple as she’d hoped. Torn away from her family as a child and sold as a slave, Shiphrah struggles to find her place and her freedom. But things change after she saves the lives of her master’s wife and their child during a difficult birth. Now free, Shiphrah can truly fulfill her calling and, perhaps, even gain a family of her own. And yet, change is coming, and events take a dark turn when the king of Egypt demands that the midwives see to it that all male Hebrew babies die. As one who helps bring life into the world, how can she obey this cruel edict? With the help of El Shaddai, can Shiphrah find the courage to do the right thing?
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 15, 2024
118 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Connilyn Cossette
22 books2,689 followersConnilyn Cossette is a Christy Award-winning and bestselling author of stories that illuminate the ancient world of the Bible, in hopes readers will dig deeper into the Word and encounter the Great Storyteller himself within its pages. She is blessed to be the adopted mother of two graduated homeschoolers and is a recent breast cancer survivor. She and her husband of nearly thirty years live just north of Charlotte, NC when they aren't traveling around, exploring the world together!
Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com
Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 18, 2022
"My life is precious -all life is precious - and I will fight for it and for every bit of joy I can experience along the way until El Shaddai determines which heartbeat is my last."
~ "The Life Giver" by Connilyn Cossette
"The Life Giver: Shiphrah's Story" by Connilyn Cossette is an absolutely beautiful novel. This book took me on a delightful adventure of pain, joy, turmoil, peace, fear, faith, death and life.
From the very first page, you are enveloped by one of the most epic tales within God's Word. A story of two women who placed their lives, and those of their loved ones, on the line because they refused to disobey God.
"The Life Giver" was an amazing book to read and I highly recommend it!
~ "The Life Giver" by Connilyn Cossette
"The Life Giver: Shiphrah's Story" by Connilyn Cossette is an absolutely beautiful novel. This book took me on a delightful adventure of pain, joy, turmoil, peace, fear, faith, death and life.
From the very first page, you are enveloped by one of the most epic tales within God's Word. A story of two women who placed their lives, and those of their loved ones, on the line because they refused to disobey God.
"The Life Giver" was an amazing book to read and I highly recommend it!
July 6, 2025
I have said this so many times before, but Connilyn Cossette is my favorite. Her novel, “Counted With the Stars” is the story that the Lord has used in such a mighty way in my heart and life. And when I saw that this story took place before that one, but brought to life even more my favorite book of Exodus, I knew I had to read it!
Telling the story of Shiphrah, one of the two midwives mentioned in Exodus as standing against the edict of Pharaoh to kill all the male Hebrew infants, and in doing so is said to have been blessed with families of their own. This story brings to life the struggles and weight of bandage the Hebrews were subjected to for over 400 years, but also the faith they carried amidst such hardship. The promise that they clung to that one day they would be brought out of the land of Egypt and into the Promised Land by El Shaddai, the God of the Mountain. The same God who introduced Himself in a burning bush to Moses as YHWH, The Great I AM!
This book does include mentions of miscarriage and infant loss, and grief of losing loved ones. Though these are a part of the story, I want to also be clear that hope reigns supreme in this story. Though it deals with loss that many have walked through, the Truth of who our God is- how he sees us, cares for us, is so kind and gentle, and how he is faithful in all circumstances, is evident on every page. His goodness is overwhelming!
If you love a good story, then the simple review would be that you need to read this one... But the truth is, this book is more than a well-written story. It brings an awareness of who our God is, and I have no doubt will cause your own heart to burn within you- to either seek him all the more, or to call on His name for the very first time. My friends, He is faithful!
Telling the story of Shiphrah, one of the two midwives mentioned in Exodus as standing against the edict of Pharaoh to kill all the male Hebrew infants, and in doing so is said to have been blessed with families of their own. This story brings to life the struggles and weight of bandage the Hebrews were subjected to for over 400 years, but also the faith they carried amidst such hardship. The promise that they clung to that one day they would be brought out of the land of Egypt and into the Promised Land by El Shaddai, the God of the Mountain. The same God who introduced Himself in a burning bush to Moses as YHWH, The Great I AM!
This book does include mentions of miscarriage and infant loss, and grief of losing loved ones. Though these are a part of the story, I want to also be clear that hope reigns supreme in this story. Though it deals with loss that many have walked through, the Truth of who our God is- how he sees us, cares for us, is so kind and gentle, and how he is faithful in all circumstances, is evident on every page. His goodness is overwhelming!
If you love a good story, then the simple review would be that you need to read this one... But the truth is, this book is more than a well-written story. It brings an awareness of who our God is, and I have no doubt will cause your own heart to burn within you- to either seek him all the more, or to call on His name for the very first time. My friends, He is faithful!
September 10, 2022
Shiphrah was the daughter and granddaughter of midwives, she had helped in births in her native land of Midian. Sadly she was taken as a captured slave to Egypt. Her people worshipped El-Shaddai the God of the Mountain. Her first master lost his money and his slaves were sold off. Shiphrah was sold to a noble who wanted her to care for his pregnant and ailing wife. She does and after she saves the life of his wife and son he frees her. She had made friends with Gilah a shopkeeper in the marketplace, a Hebrew woman married to an Egyptian. Gilah tells her of El-Shaddai. Gilah also brings her to Marva a Hebrew midwife. Marva takes Shiphrah on as an apprentice, she knows Shiphrah and her very young apprentice Puah will make a great team. Shiphrah Marries Marva's son Avi and God grants them a family. Avi is of course a slave. When pharaoh declares all male Hebrew infants are to be put to death Shiphrah knows she cannot do this thing. Shiphrah delivers Moses. She learns to trust El-Shaddai and accepts Him as her only God. The Life Giver: Shiphrah's Story is another book in the ordinary women of the Bible series. This one is by Connilyn Cossette.
August 2, 2025
“She will stand against the flow of the mighty river and will not be moved.” The prophetic words seemed ironic each time Shiphrah’s heart threatened to be drowned by fear. She never dreamed that traders would seize her and carry her away from Midian to Egypt, the land of the huge Nile River and its god-king, pharaoh. Though abject terror rose up to defeat her, this young woman refused to be squelched.
In fact, Shiphrah renewed her determination to cultivate her God-given talent as a midwife, and surprises, dangers, and even looming death forced her to repeatedly take her stand against the powers of Egypt.
This beautiful tale is based on the real midwife who saved baby boys during Moses’ time of birth. Shiphrah’s compassion, skill and courage will inspire readers to also rise up against whatever river is seeking to overwhelm them and take hold of their faith in El Shadai—God who provides.
In fact, Shiphrah renewed her determination to cultivate her God-given talent as a midwife, and surprises, dangers, and even looming death forced her to repeatedly take her stand against the powers of Egypt.
This beautiful tale is based on the real midwife who saved baby boys during Moses’ time of birth. Shiphrah’s compassion, skill and courage will inspire readers to also rise up against whatever river is seeking to overwhelm them and take hold of their faith in El Shadai—God who provides.
February 17, 2021
I was first introduced to Shiphrah and Puah in Jochebed's story. This book is about her life. She was a young girl when she was taken away from her family and sold into slavery. Her first mistress was a young girl she was companion for. When that master loses everything she is than bought by an Egyptian to look after his wife who is very ill and pregnant. Although her life started out hard it ended well. She remembered the little bit about being a midwife that her Mother and Grandmother taught her and what she had witnessed when she accompanied them to births. When she earns her freedom she becomes an assistant to a midwife along with Puah. When the Pharaoh is afraid the Hebrews are growing to strong in number he orders the midwives to kill all the boy babies that are born or risk imprisonment or death themselves. Can Shiphrah and Puah follow his orders?
February 24, 2025
My rating: 3.5 stars
It has been a few years since I've read a Connilyn Cossette book. I saw that "The Life Giver" was available on Kindle Unlimited and decided it was time to change that.
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the main character, Shiphrah. She is a brave, faithful woman. I liked that we got to know her over the course of about 15 years.
I will say, I didn't feel much of a connection to the other characters. They all felt pretty secondary and one dimensional.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the faith content. Shiphrah's story shows the faithfulness and goodness of God, even though her life wasn't easy. I love that she stood firm in her faith, even in seemingly impossible situations.
I do wish this book was a bit longer and that we had more time to get to know the other characters better, but I did enjoy my time reading "The Life Giver".
It has been a few years since I've read a Connilyn Cossette book. I saw that "The Life Giver" was available on Kindle Unlimited and decided it was time to change that.
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the main character, Shiphrah. She is a brave, faithful woman. I liked that we got to know her over the course of about 15 years.
I will say, I didn't feel much of a connection to the other characters. They all felt pretty secondary and one dimensional.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the faith content. Shiphrah's story shows the faithfulness and goodness of God, even though her life wasn't easy. I love that she stood firm in her faith, even in seemingly impossible situations.
I do wish this book was a bit longer and that we had more time to get to know the other characters better, but I did enjoy my time reading "The Life Giver".
January 8, 2022
The theme of this book can be summed up with “Faith over Fear”.
From the Bible, we know that Shiphrah and Puah were strong women who did not obey the pharoah’s command to kill all the Hebrew boys. This book takes a closer look into the life of Shiphrah with a little glimpse of Puah’s life as well. Shiphrah is portrayed as being faithful to God. She entrusts her family to Him and stands up to the pharaoh. I enjoyed taking a look into the Hebrew captivity in Egypt.
And we could always use more reminding that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways if we have faith in Him.
Also if you want more of this story definitely read Connilyn Cossette’s Out of Egypt series!!
From the Bible, we know that Shiphrah and Puah were strong women who did not obey the pharoah’s command to kill all the Hebrew boys. This book takes a closer look into the life of Shiphrah with a little glimpse of Puah’s life as well. Shiphrah is portrayed as being faithful to God. She entrusts her family to Him and stands up to the pharaoh. I enjoyed taking a look into the Hebrew captivity in Egypt.
And we could always use more reminding that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways if we have faith in Him.
Also if you want more of this story definitely read Connilyn Cossette’s Out of Egypt series!!
January 6, 2025
A Must Read
Connilyn will forever have my heart with her writing and ability to draw you into Biblical Fiction. The story of Shiphrah and Puah have always caused me to pause whenever I see their names in Exodus. I imagine what courage and strength it took to defy an evil command. And then to see God’s faithfulness in not only blessing them abundantly, but naming them is nothing short of a miracle. This story is such a beautiful take on these amazing women. Your faith will be encouraged as you get into the mind and heart of Shiphrah and see El Shaddai show up and lead as only He can.
Connilyn will forever have my heart with her writing and ability to draw you into Biblical Fiction. The story of Shiphrah and Puah have always caused me to pause whenever I see their names in Exodus. I imagine what courage and strength it took to defy an evil command. And then to see God’s faithfulness in not only blessing them abundantly, but naming them is nothing short of a miracle. This story is such a beautiful take on these amazing women. Your faith will be encouraged as you get into the mind and heart of Shiphrah and see El Shaddai show up and lead as only He can.
February 6, 2025
Triggerwarning: If you have read the Old Testament (or seen movies about Moses) then you know that there's a lot of infant death. Very hard if you've experienced or struggle with birthing deaths or infant death.
I had to take it slowly, and I have read the story many times. Connilyn paints the picture of such a painful historical event, in a very beautiful way.
I love how she knits together the story with all the characters, and brings them up in other books!
There's definitely a shadow of gloom and sadness, as will be around a story where a pharaoh orders all newborn males to be killed. Even so, it brings a deeper connection and joy through the victories.
I had to take it slowly, and I have read the story many times. Connilyn paints the picture of such a painful historical event, in a very beautiful way.
I love how she knits together the story with all the characters, and brings them up in other books!
There's definitely a shadow of gloom and sadness, as will be around a story where a pharaoh orders all newborn males to be killed. Even so, it brings a deeper connection and joy through the victories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
I love that Connilynn Cossette took this story and brings it into focus the story of a midwife in Egypt.
I loved how the character of this woman was formed through all her trials and struggles in life.
As greedy as I am I wished that the romance would have been in a bit more of the book, but it did fit into the story and the timeline well.
I loved the message of how important it is to stand for what is right regardless of the consequences. I was amazed at the bravery of these women and encouraged by the character's acting out thier faith.
I loved how the character of this woman was formed through all her trials and struggles in life.
As greedy as I am I wished that the romance would have been in a bit more of the book, but it did fit into the story and the timeline well.
I loved the message of how important it is to stand for what is right regardless of the consequences. I was amazed at the bravery of these women and encouraged by the character's acting out thier faith.
November 19, 2024
Connilyn Cossette books are always enlightening
Such an enjoyable book making the characters in the bible come to life. As the series The Chosen shows the humanity of the disciples so Connilyn endows the characters and events she writes about with such colour and depth. As I once more read the book of Exodus after reading her series on it I read it with fresh eyes thinking of all that could have been going on in the background. Such insight and such a love for ABBA comes through every page. Thank you Connilyn
Such an enjoyable book making the characters in the bible come to life. As the series The Chosen shows the humanity of the disciples so Connilyn endows the characters and events she writes about with such colour and depth. As I once more read the book of Exodus after reading her series on it I read it with fresh eyes thinking of all that could have been going on in the background. Such insight and such a love for ABBA comes through every page. Thank you Connilyn
August 9, 2025
Faithful Obedience Brings God Glory!
This is the Biblical fiction story of the midwife who helped bring Moses into the world and keep him safe after Pharoah's decree that Hebrew infant boys be killed. Written by Connilyn Cossette, the tale is vividly told in a way that makes the characters nearly step out of the pages. The depth of research involved in shaping the setting and storyline is readily apparent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the many other books I've read by this talented author. I wish I could award it more than five stars!
This is the Biblical fiction story of the midwife who helped bring Moses into the world and keep him safe after Pharoah's decree that Hebrew infant boys be killed. Written by Connilyn Cossette, the tale is vividly told in a way that makes the characters nearly step out of the pages. The depth of research involved in shaping the setting and storyline is readily apparent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the many other books I've read by this talented author. I wish I could award it more than five stars!
August 24, 2025
This book is part of the series "Ordinary Women of the Bible" written by a number of authors. "The Life Giver: Shiphrah's Story" was written by Connilyn Cossette - one of my favourite authors. I love how she brings to life characters from the Bible and weaves them into a wonderful and believable story. Shiphrah and Puah were two such characters (Exod 1:17-19) who were very brave in saving Hebrew baby boys whom Pharaoh decreed must not be allowed to live. Connilyn Cossette obviously does a lot of research in writing books such as this and creating a wonderful rea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
If I could give this book ten stars I would. The way Connilyn wrote Shiphrah’s story caused me to be captured from the very first line to the last. The faith of Shiphrah each time she faced danger was convicting and beautiful all at once. I’ve always been enthralled with the midwives story and how scary it would be for them, so having their story brought to life was so precious for me. As always, connilyn put her heart into this book and created a masterpiece for her readers.
February 19, 2024
4.5⭐I honestly was hesitant about reading this due to not wanting to deviate too far away from biblical truth but I found it to be very entertaining and gave so much depth to Shiphrah. Even though a lot of its contents was created for entertainment it matches her to actually tell the story in the Bible in such a cool and creative way.
March 30, 2025
Connilyn Cossette is one of my favorite Biblical fiction authors. This book tells the story of the midwives who were delivering Hebrew babies in Egypt when the decree came to kill all boy babies.
She weaves a believable back story for Shipharah's life. Her writing takes us into the time when Hebrews had been living in bondage for 400 years.
She weaves a believable back story for Shipharah's life. Her writing takes us into the time when Hebrews had been living in bondage for 400 years.
October 2, 2025
Loved This Fictional Back Story
I love this author. This fictional backstory of Shiphrah did not disappoint me in any way. I loved the horrifying moments that made me gasp in horror and the sweet love described between her and her husband. Had a hard time putting it down and finished it in two days.
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love this author. This fictional backstory of Shiphrah did not disappoint me in any way. I loved the horrifying moments that made me gasp in horror and the sweet love described between her and her husband. Had a hard time putting it down and finished it in two days.
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
August 25, 2021
I love the insights the author gives this story. I appreciate this series of Ordinary Women of the Bible that Guidepost put together with different authors, several of my favorites, like Connilyn Cossette. Good job!
April 5, 2025
All things are possible…..
Great historical fiction! This story is a good reminder that God is Faithful and His Word is True. I really enjoyed all of the poignant pondering’s of the main character and how her faith deepens and develops over time.
Great historical fiction! This story is a good reminder that God is Faithful and His Word is True. I really enjoyed all of the poignant pondering’s of the main character and how her faith deepens and develops over time.
June 21, 2025
Beautiful
I love the Old Testament brought to life by authors like Connilyn Cossette! Her characters breathe life in my imagination. I thought this book would be more about Joccabed , I was amazed and happy that it was about Shiphrah. What an amazing woman.
I love the Old Testament brought to life by authors like Connilyn Cossette! Her characters breathe life in my imagination. I thought this book would be more about Joccabed , I was amazed and happy that it was about Shiphrah. What an amazing woman.
August 18, 2020
Loved this! Review to come.
November 27, 2020
Really good story about one of the midwives in the time of Moses birth
January 1, 2021
Another great book about Women of the Bible series. I really enjoyed this story. It included part of the story of Moses’ mother.
June 4, 2022
Wonderful read. As always with Connilyn Cossette you are drawn into the story and almost smell the smells…
November 29, 2024
Just brilliant. Loved it. Brings the story alive.
February 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 8, 2025
I have other books by this author on my TBR….this was my first and definitely won’t be my last. A beautiful 5-star read. Loved Shiphrah’s story as well as the author’s facts after the story.
July 19, 2025
He is the Life Giver
What a fun bit of storytelling this is. I’m so pleased to have read it. I will buy a copy for a midwife friend I know.
What a fun bit of storytelling this is. I’m so pleased to have read it. I will buy a copy for a midwife friend I know.
Read
August 26, 2025Absolutely loved this book!!! Brings it all to life.
May 11, 2025
This is the story of Shiphrah, an eleven-year old child of her mother and grandmother who were both well-respected midwives. She is kidnapped and sold into slavery. As she grows up because of her faith in God, God grants her favor and she ends up studying midwifery with the most respected midwife in the land. Connilyn Cossette, the author, writes her journey of how Shiphrah became famous by defying a King’s order and how God rewarded her. Very inspiring book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews